Benefits of Shea Butter

Do you suffer from skin problems like dry skin, chapped lips, cracked feet, psoriasis and eczema? Read this article to find out how shea butter can help treat such skin conditions.

The Karite tree grows in abundance in the savannah areas of East and West Africa.

The tree is noted for the green colored fruits it produces which contain nuts that are rich in antioxidants and which also have a wide range of vitamins including Vitamin E and Vitamin A. The nuts which are sometimes referred to as ‘shea nuts’ contain a natural fat called shea butter also known as ‘women’s gold.’

Shea Butter for Skin Care

Shea butter is highly prized in the beauty industry for it’s known to treat a variety of skin disorders such as dry skin, chapped lips, sun burns, psoriasis, eczema and rashes to name a few. Shea butter’s ability to revitalize the skin and keep it soft and smooth has made it a popular skin care product much sought after by women who are aware of its potential to promote healthy and beautiful skin.

Types of Shea Butter

Shea butter are of two types: West African shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii) and East African shea butter (Vitellaria Nilotica). The difference is in its texture. East African shea butter is creamier and has a smoother feel to it which is why it’s widely used in beauty products.

Difference between Unrefined Shea Butter and Refined Shea Butter

Unrefined shea butter is the closest to the purest form since it’s almost still in its natural raw state. Unrefined shea butter is also of high quality because it hardly has had any chemicals added to it. Refined shea butter on the other hand has had chemicals added to it hence bringing down its level of quality including its natural state.

How to Use Shea Butter

Shea butter can be used to treat dryness in hair. It should be massaged into the hair strands avoiding the scalp.

Shea butter leaves a greasy effect on the skin if used in excess so do not apply too much.

If you’re a first time user of shea butter avoid using on the face. Refrain from applying on wet skin and wet hair.

When storing unrefined shea butter do not keep it in the fridge but instead wrap it in some cling wrap and store it in a dry cool place. Do not keep shea butter in warm areas when there’s sunny weather since the butter can melt.

If you want to lighten scars and stretch marks massage some shea butter to the area.

How to Use Shea Butter to Treat Cracked Dry Feet

If you suffer from cracked, dry feet and heels soak your feet in a warm bath for 5 minutes. The water should have ½ teaspoon Epsom salt added to it. Pat the feet dry and apply some shea butter to the affected areas. Do this treatment before going to bed at night. The skin cells in our body tend to heal faster when we are asleep at night.